Annapurna Base Camp Trek Guide 2026/27
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) sits at approximately 4,130 metres (13,550 feet) in a mountain basin north of Pokhara. The walk passes terraced hillsides, Gurung villages, rhododendron and bamboo forests, and the steep upper valley beneath Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre. It is also commonly called the Annapurna Sanctuary trek.
You do not need mountaineering experience to follow the established teahouse trail in normal conditions, but this is still a serious mountain journey. Expect long stone staircases, repeated climbs and descents, colder nights as you go higher and a meaningful risk of altitude illness. The right route depends on your available days, walking experience and the amount of altitude adjustment your schedule allows.
Annapurna Base Camp trek at a glance
- Highest point: Annapurna Base Camp, approximately 4,130m.
- Gateway: Pokhara; Kathmandu-based itineraries include extra transfer days.
- Main upper trail: Chhomrong – Sinuwa – Bamboo – Deurali – Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) – Annapurna Base Camp.
- Route choices: a direct approach from near Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda, or a longer approach via Ghorepani and Poon Hill.
- Trip duration: Amigo offers 6 days from Pokhara and 10 or 12 days from Kathmandu. Total holiday length is not the same as number of trekking days.
- Overnights: teahouses and mountain lodges on the trail.
- Preferred seasons: generally March–May and October–November, depending on conditions.
- Protected area: Annapurna Conservation Area, administered by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Where is the Annapurna Sanctuary?
The Sanctuary is the high mountain setting reached at the end of the ABC trek. It lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area. The National Trust for Nature Conservation works through its Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) to support conservation, community livelihoods and responsible tourism. The conservation area is much larger than the Sanctuary walking route; it is not a 55-kilometre-long national park. Read NTNC’s overview of ACAP for its geographic scope and management.
Annapurna I, at 8,091m, is the world’s tenth-highest mountain. The pyramid-like profile of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), the ridges of Annapurna South and the summit of Hiunchuli surround the basin. Machhapuchhre Base Camp is a lodge stop along the trekking approach, not a separate mountaineering climb for ABC trekkers.
Scenery changes dramatically as you walk. Around Ghandruk and Chhomrong there are stone-built houses, farmland and deep valley views. The middle sections are shaded by forests and follow the Modi Khola valley. The surroundings above Deurali are more exposed and alpine, with fewer buildings and less protection from wind and bad weather. On a clear morning at ABC, the surrounding peaks fill the horizon.
Annapurna Base Camp routes: direct trail or Poon Hill?
There is no single required starting point. Older itineraries often begin at Nayapul, but current journeys can use road access closer to Ghandruk, Jhinu Danda or Ulleri. The available roadhead changes with weather and landslides, so the start of your walk should be confirmed shortly before departure.
| Amigo itinerary | Published starting rate | Route and pace |
|---|---|---|
| 6-day ABC from Pokhara | US$635 per person | Direct and fast-paced; begins and ends in Pokhara, with little room for delay or additional acclimatization. |
| 10-day Short ABC from Kathmandu | US$830 per person | Kathmandu and Pokhara transfers with a direct Sanctuary approach and six trekking days. |
| 12-day ABC from Kathmandu | US$1,020 per person | A longer route through Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill and Tadapani before joining the Sanctuary trail. |
These are starting group rates verified against Amigo’s published package pages in October 2026. They are not fixed prices for every traveler, party size or travel date. A fast itinerary saves holiday time but usually gains sleeping altitude more rapidly, so it is not automatically the easiest choice.
The direct route via Ghandruk or Jhinu Danda
The direct route normally reaches Chhomrong from a lower roadhead, then follows the established corridor through Sinuwa, Bamboo and Deurali to MBC and ABC. It is popular with trekkers who prefer to spend their days on the main Sanctuary trail instead of adding the Poon Hill loop.
Chhomrong has steep stone steps, followed by a descent and another climb toward Sinuwa. Bamboo and the surrounding valley can be damp, with muddy or slippery paths after rain. From Deurali, the upper approach is more exposed to snow, falling rocks and avalanche hazards. A guide’s assessment of the day’s conditions matters more than the arrival time printed in an itinerary.
Most direct itineraries descend the same upper trail after base camp, then continue toward Jhinu Danda and a suitable roadhead for the drive back to Pokhara. Vehicles do not reach Annapurna Base Camp itself.
The longer route through Ghorepani and Poon Hill
The classic approach can begin from the Nayapul/Birethanti or Ulleri side, climbing through villages and forest toward Ghorepani. Trekkers may visit Poon Hill for sunrise if the weather permits, then continue via Tadapani toward Chhomrong and the Sanctuary. This approach adds walking, viewpoints and village time, and features settlements with Gurung and Magar heritage.
Poon Hill is optional, not a compulsory stop on every ABC trek. Pothana, Australian Camp and Landruk also belong to particular lower-Annapurna route variations and should not be described as the standard exit for all ABC journeys. Compare the actual route map before booking rather than assuming that every guidebook describes the same itinerary.
Choosing between 6, 10 and 12 days
The 6-day journey is designed for travelers already in Pokhara who can cope with several demanding stages and a relatively quick rise in altitude. The 10-day trip adds Kathmandu travel logistics and uses a direct route. The 12-day trip allows time for the Poon Hill approach and a different sequence of overnight stops. If you are new to high-altitude trekking, discuss a gentler upper section or additional nights instead of choosing only on the package day count.
Typical 10-day Annapurna Base Camp itinerary
This sample shows how a direct Kathmandu-to-Kathmandu journey can be organized. It is an illustration, not a fixed schedule or altitude-safety recommendation; exact overnight stops, road access and walking distances are confirmed in the chosen package. For contracted daily details, use Amigo’s 10-day Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
| Day | Route outline | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | Meet the trekking team and check equipment. |
| 2 | Travel Kathmandu to Pokhara | Road travel; domestic air transfer can be discussed separately. |
| 3 | Transfer toward Jhinu; trek toward Chhomrong | Stone stairs and lower village trails. |
| 4 | Walk through Sinuwa toward Bamboo | Expect repeated climbs and descents. |
| 5 | Continue toward Deurali | Trail and weather become more consequential higher up. |
| 6 | Pass Machhapuchhre Base Camp; ABC (4,130m) if safe | Rapid sleeping-altitude gain on a short program needs careful assessment. |
| 7 | Descend from ABC toward Bamboo | Long descending day; ice or wet steps may slow progress. |
| 8 | Walk out toward Jhinu and drive to Pokhara | Finish at the accessible roadhead. |
| 9 | Return from Pokhara to Kathmandu | Leave room for weather and traffic disruption. |
| 10 | Depart Kathmandu | International airfare is separate from the trekking plan. |
The stages above are deliberately approximate. Some faster programs ascend from around Deurali to ABC in one day, a greater sleeping-altitude gain than general acclimatization advice suggests. A slower or revised itinerary may be appropriate. The CDC’s altitude-travel recommendations advise gradual ascent and generally limiting the rise in sleeping altitude above 3,000m to around 500m per day, with additional acclimatization time.
Annapurna Base Camp permits and licensed-guide rules
ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area entry
ABC is inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, not a national park. The entry document is the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). The official NTNC permit portal currently lists NPR 3,000 for visitors from outside SAARC and NPR 1,000 for SAARC nationals. NTNC states that children younger than 10 do not require this entry permit.
The ACAP permit is valid for a single entry, is non-transferable and non-refundable, and must be available for inspection during the trek. Online applications are supported and the permit can be sent by email after payment; recognized entry permit counters are also listed by NTNC. The permit covers designated places inside the conservation area. It is not a mountaineering permit or a substitute for any separately required restricted-area authorization.
TIMS registration and guide arrangements
Nepal Tourism Board’s revised TIMS and licensed-guide guidance specifically identifies the Poon Hill–ABC route among routes requiring a licensed trekking guide and agency-issued TIMS. For covered routes, the published TIMS fees are NPR 2,000 for non-SAARC trekkers and NPR 1,000 for SAARC trekkers; a registered trekking agency handles the eCard process.
The guide and TIMS provisions are route-specific, so a different direct approach should not be judged solely from an old generic permit checklist. Amigo confirms which official arrangements apply to your selected Ghandruk, Jhinu or Poon Hill itinerary before departure. Amigo’s guided ABC packages include the required trekking permits and guide services stated in the product inclusions.
Bring the identification details requested by the agency and keep permits accessible at checkpoints. Permit rules and administration can change; rely on the official Nepal Tourism Board and NTNC resources rather than recycled advice about older individual TIMS cards.
Difficulty, acclimatization and mountain safety
On most trekking days you can expect several hours of walking on uneven terrain, often with substantial stone stairs. Five to seven hours on the move is a useful general planning range, but weather, group pace and specific stages can make a day much longer. Good walking fitness is important; it does not make a rapid ascent to 4,130m free of altitude risk.
Understanding altitude illness
Headache, unusual fatigue, nausea, dizziness or loss of appetite after ascending can be symptoms of acute mountain sickness. Tell your guide promptly. Do not go on to sleep higher with symptoms of altitude illness. Worsening symptoms, confusion, difficulty walking straight or breathlessness at rest require urgent medical assessment and descent. Read the CDC Yellow Book guidance on altitude illness and discuss your medical circumstances with a qualified clinician before travel.
The general recommendation is to increase sleeping elevation gradually once above 3,000m, often no more than around 500m a day and with added acclimatization time. Short Sanctuary itineraries may exceed that profile; consider adjusting the route before travel. Drinking water and staying fit help general wellbeing but do not independently prevent altitude sickness. Medication decisions should be made with a clinician, not based on a packing-list suggestion.
Avalanche, snow and trail exposure
The corridor above Deurali toward Machhapuchhre Base Camp can be exposed to snow, ice, rockfall and avalanche conditions, even when the lower trail is dry. Your licensed guide should make an on-the-day assessment, including whether to wait, revise the route or turn back. No itinerary should require walking through a dangerous section simply to reach ABC on a particular day.
Illness, injuries and helicopter evacuation
If a trekker becomes ill or injured, our guide helps coordinate immediate support, descent and appropriate local medical or rescue services. Helicopter evacuation is never guaranteed: weather, daylight, a usable landing or pickup site, aircraft availability and insurer/payment approval can all affect it. Choose travel insurance that expressly includes trekking to your planned altitude, medical treatment and emergency evacuation.
Best months to trek to Annapurna Base Camp
Spring: March to May
Spring is a popular period, with rhododendron blooms lower down and generally more comfortable walking temperatures. There can still be snow in the upper Sanctuary, particularly early in the season, while cloud can develop later in the day as the pre-monsoon season advances.
Autumn: October and November
October and November often provide good post-monsoon visibility and favorable walking conditions. Teahouses may be busy, especially around ABC, so expect some sharing and limited private rooms. September can remain rainy; December tends to be much colder.
Winter and monsoon
In winter, the upper trail can receive heavy snow and ice, nights are cold and daylight is limited. During the summer monsoon, roughly June through September, leeches and wet steps affect lower sections, while landslides can disrupt roads and trails. The route is not automatically safe or open in any month; use a current weather and trail assessment.
Transport from Kathmandu and Pokhara
Pokhara is the main access city. Kathmandu–Pokhara journeys are made by road or domestic flight. Road hours vary with traffic, highway works, monsoon damage and weather; fixed travel times from older posts are unreliable. Flights are faster when they operate but can also be delayed or cancelled. Domestic flights are generally optional rather than automatically included in Amigo’s Kathmandu-based ABC packages.
From Pokhara a suitable vehicle travels toward the roadhead listed in your itinerary, usually on the Ghandruk, Jhinu or Ulleri side. The exact accessible endpoint may change after heavy rain. Keep sufficient time before onward international travel instead of relying on a guaranteed arrival hour.
Accommodation on the Annapurna Base Camp trail
Trekkers stay in teahouses and mountain lodges. Lower villages have more choices of rooms and services; accommodation becomes simpler at Deurali, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and ABC. Twin beds and shared bathrooms are common, and a private room may not be possible during busy weeks. Bring a suitable sleeping bag because bedrooms generally do not have the heating expected in a city hotel.
Some lodges offer paid hot showers, Wi-Fi and battery charging, but electricity, network coverage and hot water can be unreliable. The dining room is usually the social centre of the lodge. Take time to talk with hosts and other trekkers, while respecting the limited resources at higher elevations.
Food, drinking water and daily trail life
Most teahouses serve dal bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables), noodle or rice dishes, soups, potatoes, eggs, pancakes, porridge and tea. Menus become more limited higher on the route due to supply. Plan to eat regular meals, carry a few snacks you know you tolerate and wash or sanitize your hands before eating. Not every meal is organic or prepared from locally grown ingredients.
A typical day begins with breakfast and an early departure, with pauses for water, photographs and lunch before reaching the next lodge in the afternoon. Long climbs can feel much harder than their map distance suggests; build in time to walk comfortably instead of racing other groups.
Use properly boiled, filtered or otherwise treated water. Carry a refillable bottle or hydration container and consider a reliable purification method as backup. Bottled water costs more with altitude and creates plastic waste. Amigo’s ABC product inclusions describe the specific purified-water and tea/coffee provision for the booked package; extra bottled drinks, snacks and hot showers may cost more.
Training and a practical packing list
Train for repeated mountain days, not just one long day hike. In the six to eight weeks before departure, work on endurance with uphill walks, stairs, brisk hiking or cycling, plus leg and core strength. Practise descents and use the boots and daypack you will trek with. A fitness plan should match your current condition, especially if you have knee problems or a history of altitude illness.
- Footwear: broken-in boots or supportive trail footwear with good grip, trekking socks and light shoes for lodge evenings.
- Weather layers: waterproof shell jacket and trousers, fleece or insulated jacket, sun hat, warm hat and gloves.
- Night comfort: a sleeping bag suited to the season and the expected cold at higher lodges.
- Daypack: refillable water bottle, water treatment, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, headlamp, spare power supply and basic personal first aid.
- Documents: passport, visa where required, permits, insurance and emergency-contact details.
- Useful extras: trekking poles for staircases, lip balm, hand sanitizer, tissues and enough Nepali rupees for expenses outside your package.
- Condition-dependent gear: traction aids or extra winter layers only after discussing actual snow and trail conditions with the guide.
Porters have weight limits, so do not pack every optional item by default. Use our packing list generator for a trip-specific checklist. Check the forecast close to departure and ask the operations team about items that can be hired in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp trek cost and package inclusions
Amigo’s live published starting group rates in October 2026 are US$635 for six days from Pokhara, US$830 for ten days from Kathmandu and US$1,020 for twelve days from Kathmandu. The final quotation depends on the itinerary, party size, date, available accommodation and requested changes.
The listed guided products include required trekking permits, guide and porter support, mountain lodge accommodation and meals during the trekking section as specified. The 6-day trip does not automatically include accommodation and meals in Pokhara; Kathmandu-based packages have different city arrangements. International flights, personal travel insurance, tips, optional domestic flights, charging, Wi-Fi, hot showers and extra purchases should be checked against the actual inclusion and exclusion list.
For a more detailed breakdown, read our ABC trek cost guide. Compare the 6-day, 10-day and 12-day programs before selecting a starting price; their route experience and service scope differ.
Responsible trekking and local communities
The Annapurna Conservation Area includes working communities, forests, wildlife habitat and fragile high-altitude environments. Stay on established paths, carry waste out, avoid unnecessary disposable plastic and follow local guidance on photography and religious sites. Supporting local teahouses and treating guides and porters fairly are part of responsible travel.
A flexible itinerary is also a responsible itinerary. If the road is closed, the upper valley is unsafe or someone needs more time to adjust to the altitude, changing the route or turning back is the correct decision. The mountain will still be there for another journey.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek FAQs
Is Annapurna Base Camp a national park?
No. The trekking destination is in the Annapurna Conservation Area. ACAP is the conservation-area entry permit.
Is Poon Hill included in every ABC route?
No. It is part of the longer Ghorepani approach. The direct routes normally go via Chhomrong, Sinuwa, Bamboo and Deurali without visiting Poon Hill.
Do I need a TIMS card and a guide?
Nepal Tourism Board explicitly covers the Poon Hill–ABC route under its agency-issued TIMS and licensed-guide rules. The exact requirements of a different direct approach should be verified for that route. Amigo’s standard ABC products are guided, and the team arranges applicable permits.
Can beginners complete the trek?
A well-prepared beginner may be able to complete a suitably paced route, but steep stairs, consecutive walking days and altitude make preparation essential. Very short itineraries are less forgiving if acclimatization is slow.
How high is Annapurna Base Camp?
Approximately 4,130m, or 13,550 feet. Altitude illness is possible even for fit travelers.
How long does the trek take?
Amigo’s published packages run for 6 days from Pokhara or 10–12 days from Kathmandu. Total holiday days include different transfer arrangements, so compare actual trekking days and overnight altitudes.
Can a jeep take me to base camp?
No. Jeep roads serve lower trailheads around Ghandruk, Jhinu or Ulleri when road conditions permit. The Sanctuary and base camp are reached by walking.
What kind of rooms and food are available?
Basic teahouse rooms, often with shared bathrooms, and cooked lodge meals are the norm. Facilities become simpler at higher elevations. Private rooms, hot water and internet cannot be promised at every stop.
What happens if there is snow above Deurali?
Your guide assesses avalanche, ice and weather risk on the day. Waiting, changing plans or turning back may be necessary. A scheduled base-camp arrival is never a reason to enter an unsafe corridor.
Are trekking meals and permits included with Amigo?
The listed guided ABC packages include required trekking permits, guide and porter support and specified meals during trekking. City hotels, water provision, domestic flights and optional extras vary; consult the individual package for the exact details.
Is spring or autumn the better season?
Both are popular. Spring has rhododendron blooms and variable snow or cloud; October–November generally offers good post-monsoon visibility. Mountain conditions must be checked near departure.
Can I arrange a private departure or slower itinerary?
Yes. Amigo can discuss private departures and route modifications, including extra days for a more gradual altitude profile, subject to services, official requirements and trail conditions.
Plan your Annapurna Base Camp trek with Amigo
The best itinerary matches your experience, holiday time and comfort with mountain conditions. Our Kathmandu team can help choose between the direct Sanctuary trail and the Poon Hill variation, explain your actual permits and roadhead, and discuss a suitable walking pace before you confirm a booking.
Review our 6-day Annapurna Base Camp trek from Pokhara, 10-day short Annapurna Base Camp trek or 12-day Annapurna Base Camp trek for route details, inclusions, departure options and prices.
